MA Digital Media and Creative Industries
The MA Digital Media and Creative Industries at Loughborough University aims t...
MA Strategic Communication
Loughborough
INTAKE: October
Program Overview
Loughborough University, located in the United Kingdom, is renowned for its academic excellence and innovative approach to education. The MA in Strategic Communication at Loughborough offers a comprehensive, industry-focused program designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and practical skills to excel in the dynamic world of communications. The program is ideal for individuals who aspire to become leaders in communication strategy, public relations, brand management, or corporate communications. With its cutting-edge curriculum, strong industry connections, and research-driven focus, the MA in Strategic Communication prepares students to navigate the complexities of the global communication landscape.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MA Strategic Communication program is carefully designed to provide students with a deep understanding of both traditional and digital communication practices. The program covers a wide range of topics, including strategic communication management, public relations, media relations, crisis communication, digital communication, and branding. Core modules often include Strategic Communication Theory, Communication and Media Technologies, Public Relations Practice, and Organizational Communication. The program combines theoretical frameworks with practical skills, ensuring students are well-equipped to manage communication campaigns, handle media relations, and create compelling content across various platforms. Students also have the opportunity to engage in case studies, group projects, and real-world communication challenges, allowing them to develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Research Focus: Loughborough University has a strong emphasis on research, and the MA Strategic Communication program is no exception. The program integrates both academic and applied research into its curriculum, ensuring students are well-versed in evidence-based communication strategies. Research topics include media influence, digital communication, communication ethics, and the role of communication in shaping public opinion and corporate reputation. The university’s research initiatives explore the evolving nature of communication in the digital age, with a particular focus on the impact of social media, emerging technologies, and global communication networks. This research-driven approach allows students to gain a deeper understanding of current trends and future developments in strategic communication.
Industry Engagement: One of the standout features of the MA Strategic Communication program at Loughborough University is its strong industry engagement. The university has established solid connections with a range of organizations, from public relations firms and media agencies to corporate communications departments and nonprofit organizations. These partnerships offer students valuable opportunities for internships, work placements, and networking events with leading industry professionals. Through guest lectures, workshops, and industry-led projects, students are exposed to real-world communication challenges and gain hands-on experience in planning and executing strategic communication campaigns. This direct engagement with industry ensures that graduates are ready to enter the workforce with practical skills and a strong professional network.
Global Perspective: The MA Strategic Communication program at Loughborough University is designed to prepare students for a global communication environment. The program’s international perspective is reflected in its diverse student body, faculty expertise, and global case studies integrated into the curriculum. Students explore communication strategies in different cultural, political, and economic contexts, gaining insights into how global brands communicate across borders and how communication practices vary in different regions. Additionally, the program offers opportunities for international exchange, allowing students to broaden their understanding of global communication trends and challenges. With the increasing globalization of media and digital communication, this global outlook is essential for graduates who wish to work in international organizations or manage global communication campaigns.
Location
Loughborough
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 24500
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 75% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 92.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67.
- DET Academic: A minimum overall score of 120.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Loughborough University offers a range of scholarships for international students to support their education and make studying in the UK more affordable. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, financial need, and the potential for students to contribute to the university community.
International Excellence Awards: These are merit-based scholarships offered to international students applying for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. These awards typically cover part of the tuition fees and are designed to attract outstanding students from around the globe.
Global Scholarships: Loughborough offers various global scholarships based on geographical location, supporting students from specific regions or countries with reduced tuition fees.
Postgraduate Taught Scholarships: These are available for international students applying for postgraduate taught programs at Loughborough University. Scholarships typically range from £2,000 to £4,000, depending on the student’s academic qualifications and the program they are enrolled in.
Loughborough University International Research Scholarships: For international students who wish to pursue a research-based postgraduate program, Loughborough offers research scholarships that cover full tuition fees, along with an annual stipend to assist with living costs.
Loughborough University Elite Sports Scholarships: These are available for students who are competing at an elite level in their sport. The scholarship includes financial support, as well as access to the university's world-class sports facilities, coaching, and training programs.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Loughborough University offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular countries. These scholarships are designed to support students who demonstrate high academic potential and a commitment to contributing to their home country upon graduation.
Graduates of the MA Strategic Communication program from Loughborough University have access to various career paths across multiple industries.
Public Relations (PR) Manager: A career in public relations (PR) management is one of the most common career choices for MA Strategic Communication graduates. PR managers are responsible for creating and maintaining a positive public image for organizations, businesses, or individuals. They develop communication strategies, manage media relations, write press releases, and handle crisis communications. Graduates with strong communication, writing, and strategic skills are highly sought after by PR agencies, corporations, and government bodies.
Corporate Communications Specialist: Corporate communications specialists handle internal and external communication for organizations, ensuring that messages are consistent, clear, and aligned with organizational goals. These professionals manage communication strategies, corporate messaging, media relations, and employee communications. MA Strategic Communication graduates are well-prepared for roles in corporate communications departments across sectors, including finance, technology, and healthcare.
Brand Manager: Brand management involves overseeing the perception of a company's brand and ensuring consistency across all communication platforms. Brand managers develop marketing and communication strategies to strengthen brand identity, increase brand awareness, and drive consumer loyalty. With a strong foundation in strategic communication and branding, Loughborough’s graduates are well-positioned to manage branding strategies for both global and local companies.
Social Media Manager: The digital age has made social media management an essential role in strategic communication. Social media managers develop, implement, and oversee social media strategies, monitor brand reputation, and engage with online audiences. Given the rise of social media platforms and their importance in brand communication, graduates from the MA Strategic Communication program at Loughborough University are well-equipped to pursue careers in this fast-paced field, helping organizations effectively use digital channels to communicate with their target audience.
Crisis Communication Consultant: Crisis communication professionals are responsible for managing communication during critical situations, such as corporate scandals, product recalls, or public relations crises. These specialists work with organizations to develop crisis communication plans, handle media inquiries, and protect the company’s reputation. The strategic, problem-solving, and media expertise developed during the MA Strategic Communication program positions graduates for success in this high-pressure but rewarding field.
Marketing Communications Manager: Marketing communications (MarCom) managers create strategies that promote products and services through various communication channels. They often work in collaboration with marketing teams to ensure consistent messaging across advertising, public relations, digital marketing, and events. With a combination of communication skills and marketing knowledge, MA Strategic Communication graduates can easily transition into roles focused on marketing strategy and campaign management.
Media Relations Manager: Media relations managers are responsible for building and maintaining relationships with journalists, media outlets, and influencers. They pitch stories, coordinate interviews, and manage media coverage to promote the organization’s activities and improve its public image. Graduates of the MA Strategic Communication program can work in media relations for a variety of sectors, from media companies to public sector organizations, ensuring that key messages are effectively communicated to the public.
Internal Communications Manager: Internal communications managers handle the flow of information within an organization, ensuring that employees are kept informed and engaged. They develop strategies for internal newsletters, company-wide announcements, and employee engagement initiatives. Loughborough graduates, equipped with a strong understanding of organizational communication, can excel in roles that focus on improving employee relations and organizational culture through strategic communication.
Communication Consultant: Communication consultants work with a range of clients to develop customized communication strategies that align with organizational goals. These professionals analyze the communication needs of clients, recommend improvements, and implement strategies that enhance both internal and external communications. With training in strategic communication, Loughborough MA graduates can work in consultancy firms, offering their expertise to clients across various industries.
Digital Communications Manager: In today’s digital-first world, many organizations require professionals who specialize in managing digital communication strategies. Digital communications managers oversee online marketing campaigns, content strategies, and social media outreach. The program’s focus on digital media ensures that Loughborough’s graduates are prepared to lead digital communication initiatives and manage online brand engagement.
